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Friday, December 24, 2010

I love egg nog and was excited to find soy nog in the store which is super low fat and much healthier for those of you, like me, who can guzzle the stuff...
Here is a raw nog, I haven't tried but I wonder if the dates and avos would make the flavor funky...

Monday, December 20, 2010

I read some interesting thoughts and figures about osteoporosis and where to get your calcium I thought I should share seeing as I have so many people in my life who suffer from this issue.

John Robbins, in Diet for a New America reports:

The National Dairy Council has spent tens of millions of dollars to make us believe that osteoporosis can be prevented by drinking more milk and eating more dairy products. Yet throughout the world, he reports, the incidence of osteoporosis correlates directly with protein intake. Recent research has shown that with a greater intake of meat and diary products, there is a higher rate of osteoporosis…not the other way around! In fact, the world health statistics show that osteoporosis is more common in precisely those countries where dairy products are consumed in large quantities: the United States, Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

In his book, Living Foods for Optimal Health, Brian Clement agrees: “Unfortunately the meat and dairy industries speak louder then medical journals. Their multimillion-dollar advertising campaigns ignore what even the most conservative medical investigators no longer deny - excess protein robs our bodies of strength. With their high protein content, milk and meat actually contribute to the accelerating development of osteoporosis. Certainly most people do not know that one teaspoon of sea kelp mixed in a glass of water gives approximately a thousand times more calcium (without animal protein) then an eight ounce glass of milk. You can bet you won’t hear that information pop up in a catchy jingle.

The more protein in our diets, the more calcium we lose. Eating a high protein diet rich in dairy products is not a good way to get your calcium. Your best sources are green, leafy vegetables such as collards, kale, cabbage, lettuce, along with apricots, figs, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, and other raw foods.

~ Alissa Cohen in Living on Live Food

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that calcium supplementation has no effect on the rate osteoporosis occurs as compared to women who took no supplementation.

So...executive decision...PINE will be the Herb of the month.
Thank you everyone who voted!

Pine

Definition: anyevergreen,coniferoustreeofthegenusPinus,havinglong,needle-shapedleaves,certainspeciesofwhichyieldtimber,turpentine,tar,pitch,etc.
More than 100 different types of pine trees are currently known to the world, with 35 different varieties grown in the United States.
Pine trees can grow up to 60 feet high and 30 feet across. Full sun and little water is needed for growth and they can survive in any type of soil. Fertilizing a healthy tree could actually be detrimental to the tree's health ad should only be done to a tree who's needles are yellowing as a sign of nutrient deficiency.
They are the only plant whose seeds are produced within a cone.
Pine trees are usually only harvest for reasons: decoration (both indoors and out) and as raw material for furniture.

Consider these interesting facts when you are looking for your Christmas tree this season!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Catching up on my health newsletters and read one from Kevin Gianni about The Simply Raw video series hosted by Morgen Spurlock (the guy who ate nothing by McDonalds for 30 days and made a documentary about it), David Wolfe (who we all know by now, surely), Dr. Joel Fuhrman, and Mike Adams (health journalist).
In this series they will be discussing many health issues including a 30 day CURE for diabetes.

I have not watched the series yet, but plan to and would like to invite you to as well.
http://www.rawfor30days.com/sr3/morgan_spurlock2dc.php
Once you sign up it will take you to watch the first video with Morgen Spurlock.
Enjoy and comment please ^_^

Thursday, October 28, 2010

I'm sorry that I haven't posted or been on the computer at all this past week. Been very busy...

Lysine
So I got a horrible fever blister 2 days ago. It took up a large portion of my upper lip and hurt badly. I asked my mom if she had anything for it (expecting one of those foul smelling balms) and she gave me her bottle of generic brand Lysine supplements. Having never heard of it, I was a little wary but went ahead and took the double dosage my mom recommended along with making a paste of 1 pill, 1 drop of Tea Tree oil and a couple of drops of water to put directly on the blister.
Today (2 days later) my fever blister is practically GONE! I totally recommend this, so far...having not done any real background research into the supplement. I've never had any medicine for fever blisters or mouth sores ever act so fast or so well.

November Monthly Herbal Poll
The poll is up! Pumkin, Sage, Apple, and Cranberry - 4 herbs that I associate with fall and Thanksgiving.
I know the poll is up a lil late this month so...The poll will not end until the 6th, so you have a whole week into November to vote!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

I have a new article up on Suite 101 about simple ways to live an organic lifestyle. This article is for those who have been green for some time and for people who are new to organic products and are a little overwhelmed by the whole array of green appliances, organic food and natural products.
I hope that my article, 10 Ways to Go Organic, is helpful, informative and enjoyable. I'd love to hear your comments.

I grabbed Living Organic at the library and wasn't too surprised to see a few sections mentioning hemp.

In the Natural Beauty chapter: Hemp oil - a centuries old beauty secret is revived in soaps, shampoos and conditioners, lotions, and lip balms. Its essential fatty acids are incorporated for its moisturizing properties. It helps heal minor skin problems, including acne, and adds body and shine to hair.

In the Organic Clothing chapter: Organic clothes haven't caught on too well in the fashion world due to their subdued colors. Hemp, however, could be the product that turns the natural fashion world around, according to textile designer Louisa Wood. Wood is aiming to transform hemp's frumpy image, saying that hemp dyes well "since its so absorbent, so you don't need so many chemicals as cotton to dye it."
Wood won a scholarship to travel China, a major hemp producer, to learn how hemp fabric is made. She plans to experiment with vegetable dyes.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Today was a very cool interview on Raw Mom Cooked Dad with Karen Ranzi and her daughter Gabriela. Karen is a raw mom with raw kids as well as the author of Creating Healthy Children and teaches Raw Food Fun for Kids.

On another note entirely...I got a big bag of beeswax today at the farmers market from Apiarist Keith Green, owner of Honey Dew Apiary Pure Honey and genuinely nice guy who will proudly show you his state fair award winning honey and comb segment. You can contact Mr. Green about his honey, wax, and bees at red_123@bellsouth.net

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Went to the library again today. I'm excited about a book on natural health and remedies for dogs and cats. I don't have a dog but I do have a beautiful tabby named Halloween and her birthday is this month ^_^

Also today was an interview on Raw Mom Cooked Dad with Dr. LindaJoy Rose. Dr. Rose, or LJ, is an expert in the Subconcious Mind and is a relatively new raw foodist, three years. She just wrote a book that is coming out this fall called Raw Fusion: Better Living through Living Foods. The book kind of combines raw and cooked food, which is perfect for a household of both raw and cooked foodists.
When asked about what sort of foods raw foodists eat on their 'vacation' from the raw path, Dr. Rose mentioned making a TLT (twist on BLT) with tempeh sauteed in coconut oil along with some avocado 'mayo', lettuce and tomato on some gluten free bread.
I like that she wasn't one to put pressure on every raw foodists needs to be 100% raw. It simply may not be natural for everyone.

Monday, October 11, 2010

I hope everyone had a great 10-10-10 and congrats to all the newly weds who chose that auspicious day for their wedding, I know there were a ton of you out there.

Today I got my library card and Stephanie Tourles' book Organic Body Care Recipes: 175 homemade herbal formulas for glowing skin & a vibrant self. I'm looking forward to trying out and personalizing a few of these recipes and passing them along to you if they work out.

I also listened to the Raw Mom Cooked Dad interview with the esteemed David Wolfe, which I totally recommend you rushing over and listening to it today. The part I wanted to share with you was a piece of Wolfe's sign-off statement, "If you really are into the Love, then get out of your Ego!"
Yesterday's interview with Alissa Cohen was also warm, heartfelt and fun. I look forward to more interviews tomorrow.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Happy 10-10-10, this is an amazing month, what is it, 5 fridays, saturdays and sundays in the month? Plus its beautiful autumn and Halloween is coming, which is enough to be excited enough in itself right?

Just a little bit of what's going on that I'm into right now,

Raw Mom Cooked Dad started today with an interview with Alissa Cohen. Check it out and listen in.

I'm going to start doing a few recipes here and there with pictures. I feel like eating right is important and I hate just showing videos and recipes without doing it myself so I want to do this for me and for you. I also want to invite you to send me your recipes too!
With that said I am going to keep in the rule of KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid. Don't expect anything flamboyant or expensive from this chic, I'm broke haha.

For my first recipe...
Here's the tea I've been drinking about every morning after I drink some water and have a teaspoon of honey. Its also what I drink when I want something cold and refreshing but don't necessarily want to reach for a bottle of water or some almond milk.

I have a small pitcher i put everything in (I think it's 1 1/2 liter to 2 liters) so all the ingredients are brewed for it. Increase or decrease the measurements by that.

I simmer the tea bags in a small pot of water (about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of water) on the stove until the water is a brown color then I take the pot off the heat and let the bags steep for 15 minutes.
Remove the bags, squeezing off excess tea into the pot.

In a pitcher (or whatever container you will be putting the tea in) add the honey and ginger.
Pour the hot tea over the honey and bits of torn ginger and stir. The heat should dissolve the honey and the water puff up the ginger a bit.
Add water to this until full, stir again.

Refrigerate and enjoy ^_^

Alternative or additional ingredients you might enjoy:

Lemon goes well with ginger and they both aid digestion.
Stevia, or other low glycemic, aspartame-free sweetener.
Mint
Raw ginger, if you prefer it over candied.
Slices of orange, lemon or grapefruit
Rose water

Other teas are good too, especially when you're cutting out caffeine and don't want a black tea or a black tea blend. I personally love raspberry leaf tea.

Shazzie is simply adorable and I love watching her videos. Here is #2 in a 4 part series that talk about superfoods and what they do, including Hemp Seeds!
Both of the recipes in the series following this video include hemp, both the seeds and the dried leaf.

So, if you're my friend on Facebook, you would have seen my status saying I was going to Good Foods for their Sampler Saturday. I also wanted to stop in at the Farmers Market on Richmond Rd.
I woke up early, earlier than I had initially planned but feeling rested and ready to go.
After some breakfast (a cup of tea, a spoonful of honey, and half a bagel if you wanted to know what I eat) and getting ready my husband and I headed out to meet our day.

The Richmond Road Farmers Market what a lot smaller than I expected it to be but had a good pick of tomatoes, pumpkins (I bought a small one for $1.50 and it is adorable), eggplant, and fall flowers. One booth was handing out samples and cups of chili, which smelled wonderful and full of herbs sold right next door.
Having walked the majority of the market in about 5 minutes, my hubby and I were heading out with our pumpkin, and we ran into Mr. Keith Green. Mr. Green was selling Honey Dew Honey in a variety of jar sizes for a relatively good price (I think the biggest jar was $13).
We talked to Mr. Green for a little bit, about what he feeds his bees, what he does with the wax, the Lexington Bee Keepers Association, and about the honey, which is 3 different colors depending on time of year harvested (ranging from a clear gold to a dark, beautiful red-gold-brown). We also discussed the healing properties of honey and he was enthusiastic about how honey, applied on a wound, works just as well as Neosporin.
He was also kind enough to give us a small jar of honey to try, knowing my husband used to raise bees and considers himself a little but of a honey expert. We shared this jar with my family and think its quite yummy and I was amazed at how easy it pours, its so liquid-like rather than the super thick, sugary stuff at the supermarket.

We went to the Good Foods Sampler Saturday but I think we showed up too early. There were 3 small tables with samples of Fair Trade chocolate and coffee, dips, and a butternut squash soup. I tried the soup and the chocolate, both were very yummy. I do wish there would have been more booths though.

Stopping at the local Taco Bell (I know, I know, soooo not healthy) our day was thrown for a big loop. Our Scion xB (yep, we got with THAT haha) picked up a huge bolt in the tire! Chad was furious! We pulled into a parking lot nearby and checked out the damage. After I let Chad vent his frustration, I reminded him that we had recieved a coupon for 1 Free tire repair at Good Year.
Long story short, the tire is fixed and all is well. This was Grace at work for sure!

We tried to relax for the rest of the day, enjoying our time off work.
I've been watching videos like this one by Shazzie, a widely known raw foodist and author who has also written a book with David Wolfe. Check it out:

Friday, October 8, 2010

I wrote a review of one of my favorite health books, High Raw by Kevin Gianni. Why High Raw? Because it doesn't read like a health book, it reads like a book to help you find your priorities in life whether they are starting your own business, going to school, or your health!
Please check out my article and, of course, check out the book!

I just signed up for this program called Raw Mom Cooked Dad created by two lovely women, Fiona and Tera.
While I'm not raw, I do have some issues with my husband on out views of healthy food, or rather I want healthier food and he prefers his Velveeta Shells and Cheese and a gallon of milk a week.

We don't really fight over this, I don't want to give the impression of use arguing over the pots and pans in our itty bitty kitchen. We do try and compromise with organic broccoli in the noodles and cheese and no sodas in the house.
As a couple that does compromise with food, I thought this was a great program for those out there that have the health issue in their house.
Also this video form The Raw Food World about Raw Wife, Cooked Hubby.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

I was inspired to write my article, Homeopathic Remedies for Medical Shock on Suite 101, by the video below from The Raw Food World. I was curious about what homeopathic remedies could help when you have to go to the doctor, especially for those people who would rather avoid allopathic/conventional medicine all together. I hope you enjoy the video and the article and please comment, on my Suite 101 article and on my blog. I love hearing about your experiences with natural medicine including homeopathy.

I am not a homeopath, please speak to your homeopath or medical professional before you take this as medical gospel, as always. Everything on my blog and in my articles come from research and/or personal experiences and beliefs.

Bees create such amazing products, like bee pollen and royal jelly. Almost every product created by bees are considered superfoods and can either be eaten or made into medicine for human use.
Check out this information in my article, The Benefits of Bee Products on Suite 101 about all the benefits of these 4 bee products and how they aid everything from burns and boo-boos to diabetes and tumors!
I'm definitely looking at my honey differently.

I've been drawn to write about constipation for some time now, due to my own struggle with it and my realization that so many people I care about also suffer from this issue.
Constipation is no little matter. It can lead to sever health problems that range form bad breath and acne to colon cancer. It can create toxicity in the body, which can't handle the build up of waste leaking into it's system. In order to rid itself of the toxins, the body will push them through the kidneys, liver, and skin creating all sorts of nasty health problems.
In my article, Constipation and the Perfect Bowel Movement on Suite 101, I explain exactly what constipation is and what to look for as far as whether or not your bowel movement is a healthy one.
I do warn that it is a bit graphic about such an icky subject but we're all grown ups and can handle a lil conversation about poo if it's important for our health can't we?

, blend whole berries and cacao nibs until a course powder and set aside. Next, in small bowl, combine tahini and hemp seed butter with agave, vanilla, and almond milk until it makes a batter. Next sprinkle in cinnamon, Stevia, and maca. With the back of a plastic spatula, press batter in a circular motion against the side of the bowl. The mixture should still be wet and sticky. Proceed by adding the carob a bit at a time and work into the batter in the same motion until fully blended. The batter now should have a shiny consistency and be non-stick to the touch. Next, fold in the ground goji berries and raw cacao nibs. Form into a ball and roll in shelled hemp seeds. Feel the mojo of a hump of a hemp ball.
Makes: 2 dozen Prep Time: 20 min

Hemp for Victory was a video created by the US government in the 1940s that promoted hemp as a crop that would aid our country in the war.
This video was put into "hiding" after hemp was demonized by the government, an act paid for by the big oil companies that saw hemp as a threat to big business. Jack Herer, the "Emperor of Hemp," brought the video back into the public eye after some investigating in the Library of Congress record.

Here is a compressed Hemp for Victory video found on YouTube. Enjoy.

Jack Herer also wrote the book The Emperor Wears No Clothes that explains hemp's amazing qualities and its many uses.

An argument against natural medicine, natural living, raw living, and other lifestyles that gravitate from the normal, conventional and allopathic that I hear frequently is that "humans are living longer now."
I question the validity of this argument. Yes, the average human lives longer, into their 70's and 80's, today rather than the average lifespan ending at 45 like it did not so long ago. However, are these 70 and 80 year old happy being that old?

I hear from people my own age (early twenties) about aches and pains and how they dread getting older for these aches and pains will only get worse. I see people dread their doctors visits, knowing that the doctor will see yet another problem, prescribe yet another pill. I have family members hitting the twilight years with doctor visits every other week!
Are you really happy putting yourself through all this misery because you felt modern lifestyles and modern medicine was good for you?

So why are people living longer if we are putting all this gunk in our bodies?
My theory is the technology of communication and transportation. It is easier than ever for people to find out about medicine, superfoods, lifestyles, etc. There are blogs like mine all over the net, websites, videos, newsletters, and more. With the rise and transportation technology, superfoods can be shipped all over the world making broccoli, kale and cacao just as accessible for people in the UK as it is for people in Ecuador.
This unique ability to access in our time is what might be the cause for longer lifespans.
Another reason is affluence. People in modern, westernized countries tend to have more money and therefore more means to experiment with health, doctors, lifestyles, etc.

My other argument against the "humans are living longer now" statement is simply, are they?
Some people might argue that the people in biblical times lived to be hundreds and thousands of years old. Some were nomadic. Some, like Adam and Eve, lived off the fruit of the land, some were agrarian, yet they had huge lifespans living a natural life.

Then there are the people that live to be well over 100 in other countries, third world countries where there are few or no allopathic doctors at all. Some studies say its the superfoods like acai or goji berries that they eat that causes such a long, active, healthy lifespan. Others say its the combination of natural foods, natural medicine and living in an area where they don't have to deal with the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional stresses that the modern and post-modern world bring.

I am sorry if this sounds a little like a rant.
I simply feel like the people who propose this as an argument to me do it in defense of the doctors who kill people every day with misdiagnosing illnesses or giving them "medicines" with side effects that make the patient worse. Or in defense of food companies that load "food" with MSG and other excitotoxins that literally make us addicted to their food even as they raise the prices of real food and outlaw healing herbs like hemp.
It is simply sad.

on a happier note...
The Monthly Herbal for October is...(drum roll here)HEMP!
Look forward to strange, new and exciting information about this misunderstood herb including videos, recipes, and perhaps an interview?!?!?!

I have posted videos and info about The Renegade Health Show with Kevin and Annmarie Gianni before, so today when I watched Annmarie discussing the wildcrafted herbs used in her beauty products I wanted to share that she uses the seeds of red raspberry in some of her products.
Annmarie uses red raspberry seeds in her anti-aging products because raspberry is a nutraceutical loaded with essential fatty acids, vitamin A for damaged skin, vitamin E for scars and irritation, and anti-oxidants!

The raspberry info is nearer the end but this video is full of herbal information.

So, like my title says, so much love IS going on!
I got married last Tuesday, which might explain to my readers why I haven't been updating my blogs lately.
Wedding was in New Orleans, LA on Pirate Alley (absolutely amazing and everyone was soooo nice)!

So what should you expect from the newly married Happy Healing Chic?
Well I am working on a few projects that I hope to come together in the next couple of months. I won't say exactly what's going on (its a surprise) but I will say that it involves:
organic bees wax direct from the beekeeper, my husband's grandpa
studies in hemp oil and its wonderful healing properties
lots and ls of soap making
and the hunt for local essential oils...

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Rubus ideaus
Raspberries contain significant amounts of polyphenol antioxidants liked to health protection against several human diseases. They also have up to 20% fiber per total plant weight, which is high for fruit plants.
Raspberries are said to fight against such problems as inflammation, diabetes, allergies, age-related cognitive decline, and age-related degenerative eye-sight. There is even preliminary research evidence that raspberries can help fight against AIDS and AIDS related problems.

The Rubus ideaus plant is mostly known for its edible berries, however, this plant's leaves should be noted.
From personal experience a tea made of raspberry leaves (Traditional Medicinals brand) is very nice at the end of a long day.
Benefits from red raspberry leaf tea include strengthening the uterus, relieving menstrual cramps and could be a factor in a healthy pregnancy.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Being a girl...in case any of my readers were curious or were unaware I am a girl...I am very interested in feminine products and health information.
There are many debates about health and menstruation products. Many women (and men who discuss these sort of things...)believe that it is unhealthy to use tampons or to use anything hat might prevent natural flow...i don't know anything about this but am interested in reading up on it if any of you have some info on it.
Another topic is the health of menstrual products on the environment since most pads and tampons are made from plastics and man-made stuff. Because of these questions a lot of women are going back to use reusable cloth during their moontime.Aunt Flo's Sass is a company that offers women an alternative to buying inorganic pads and they are strangely stylish! I have not used Aunt Flo's Sass products myself but am very interested in them and other products like them. I would also think that reusable 'sass' would save money in the long run rather than buying a box or two of pads every month...

I am currently writing while hanging out in Earth Fare cafe sippin' on a refreshing yerba mate with lemon. if you have not tried yerba mate yet then you really need to. Its such a good pick me up without the jitters of coffee. Yerba Mate.com calls this wonderful tea nature's original energy tonic which is so true and much better for you than those disgusting energy drinks that taste like battery acid and make me feel all jittery and nauseous.
Yerba Mate contains B-complex, 15 amino acids, and minerals zinc, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Yerba Mate.com even offers 2 studies on how this herb/tea aids atherosclerosis and mutation prevention!

I am very interested in the concept of protection from EMFs and curious as to ow dangerous EMFs are. There are many products out that supposedly protect users from EMFs. I've seen a collection of crystals (usually clear quartz and hemitite) that when set up in from of the computer protect the user from EMFs from their laptops and i've seen these new Quantum Balancing Crystals that when worn protect the wearer from EMF radiation and are also said t regulate the body's natural energy flow.
I've never used one of these products personally but I do have friends with products in their homes that balance out the EMFs from their household products (t.v., microwave, phone, computer) that look like funky crystal and copper paperweights. They claim that the energy in their home has been much clearer and lighter since they bought it.

Let me know if you've tried any of these products! I'd love to read your reviews!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

My Tea tree Face Wash:
In a spray bottle I mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol (wich hazel can be used too).
To this I add 8-10 drops pharmaceutical grade tea tree oil.
To use, I shake the bottle then spray a bit on a dry cloth.
I rub the cloth on my face in circular motion to exfoiate the skin.
The wash reduces and prevents acne as well as refreshes me after a day out, at work, or simply when waking up in the morning.

Room Cleanser
I've also read that a mix of Eucalyptus and Tea Tree oil mixed in an oil burner can rid a home of mold.
Mix a few drops of each Eucalyptus and Tea Tree (use pharmaceutical or aromatherapy grade, as always) in the bowl of an oil diffuser.
Add enough water to fill the bowl almost to the top then, light a tea-light candle beneath the bowl.
Place the diffuser in any room with mold.
These oils can also be diffused in a room where someone is sick or to cleans the air in a new house or a room that has been uninhabited for some time.

Essential Energy has a few oil mixes that include Tea Tree oil.

Rejuvenating Blend: boosting the immune system as well as bringing clarity to the mind, this blend is great for an instant pick-me-up or long-term rejuvenation.
2 drops each eucalyptus, tea tree and geranium with 1 drop sage oil in a carrier of primrose oil or grape seed oil for massage or bath.

Traveler's Best Friend Blend: every traveler knows the perils of traveling without a fully equipped medicine kit. This blend is the perfect companion for adventurers, a trusty cure-all for those icky things you pick up on the road towards nirvana.
2 drops each lavender and tea tree with 1 drop each peppermint and basil in a carrier of grape seed or wheatgerm oil for baths.
(Use tea tree as a general topical antiseptic)

I am soooo sorry I haven't posted the much awaited August Monthly Herbal! My life is sooo hectic right now, I even forgot my friend's b-day (Sorry Edward!) with the mess of wedding planning and prep, moving stress, visiting the parentals, so on and so forth.
Anyways...

Tea Tree is this month's featured herb! For those of you who don't remember, I did a poll 2 months ago on last months herb and Tea Tree and Dandelion tied! So, making an executive decision, I made Dandelion July's Herb and, to keep the peace, Tea Tree this month's herb.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

I wanted to get a few things across before going in depth on the benefits of Tea Tree. First, Tea Tree is NOT Tea (Camellia sinensis), like the type that we drink.
Tea Tree is commonly used as an oil (I've never seen it in any other form myself).
An anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-septic, tea tree oil was found in the 1920's to be a better medicine than most available.

The Melaleuca alternifolia plant is a small tree native to Australia. Commercial plantations were founded in the 1970s.

The oil comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia.
Perfume note: Middle
Aroma is strong and medicinal

Tea tree oil is one of the most potent oils for treating bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. It permeates and kills invading organisms in the body while stimulating the system.

Safety Information
According to the American Cancer Society: "Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. It has been reported to cause drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, coma, unsteadiness, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, blood cell abnormalities, and severe rashes. It should be kept away from pets and children."
The oil can cause skin irritation in high doses, so it is best to do skin patch test before adding the oil to soaps, baths, oils, or washes.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Earth Fare is hosting a blog contest that asks What do you take for lunch? The comment with the most votes wins an Earth Fare gift card of varying amounts.
I've commented and would love your vote, thanks!

I also want to ask, what do you eat for lunch? Do you take a lunch to work or school? What do you pack for your kids?

Friday, July 30, 2010

Wednesday I went to the local Amish Store with my soon-to-be-mother-in-law.
Having never been before, I was in a sort of awe at everthing inside (in individual and bulk packaging). My favorite finds were Bee Pollen, a superfood I've been reading a lot about lately that is normally sold for $25 to 45 a pack and is only a little over $3 here. There was also a loaf of honey oat whole grain bread that was simply delicious smelling (I could have stodd there and breathed in that scent all day).
Lastly, I bought some yummy crystallized ginger to nibble on and use in some tea.

Why am I telling youabout my finds?
Rather than buy the $45 product at some super foods health store, check out locally owned places where the same product might be cheaper AND you can educate yourself on where the product came from easier. in some cases.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Suite 101 Article #4!!!5 Wild Medicines in Your Back Yard!
Check it out and tell me what you think. I'm very interested in what people think of eating what they formerly thought were weeds and how they use them.

I was thinking this could be cool not only for you, my readers, but for your kids or the kids near you since they seem to have a habit of picking these plants anyways either to give mommy flowers or feed wild salads to their babydolls. Maybe when they bring you a handful of dandelions you can tell them that they are not only pretty but are really good for you too!

Anyways, enjoy the article and the other 3 articles before it. I hope to have new ones up soon, including an indepth article on Ayurveda Dieting for Weightloss and something about raspberry leaf tea since I've been drinking it a lot lately.

Monday, July 19, 2010

So, I had a busy weekend full of errands, shopping and cleaning. In all of this doing, I was able to do a few new, healthy things I thought I would share with you all.
First, I made my first batch of guacamole ever and its yummy!
Why guacamole? Why, Avocados of course!
Avocados are packed with nutrients including fiber, potassium, B-vitamins, and folic acid. They are also nutrient boosters, meaning they enable the body to absord fat-soluable nutrients like alpha and beta-carotene. Avocados even aid in cardiovascular disease by helping those on a healthy heart diet reach their quota of fruits as well as being a source of monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
The best part is they are tasty either with organic tortilla chips, on tacos or even sandwhiches.
My guacamole recipe was super simple:
1 avocado (peeled, pitted and mashed)
1 Tbsp lemon juice (lime juice can be substituted)
Mix together and store in a sealed container or use.

If you will remember a former post where I mentioned that removing plastic bottles from your life is a good way to rid yourself of toxins, let me rephrase that.
Removing plastic bottles from your life is a good way to remove toxins IF those bottles are not Bisphenol A (BPA) free. BPA is a compound used to make plastics. Health concerns include dangers to fetuses, infants and children (according to the FDA). BPA may even cause breast cancer as well as problems with the thyroid and reproductive organs. So BPA is bad to say the least.
Now, not all plastics contain BPA! My fiance and I bought re-useable plastic water bottles from the supermarket yesterday that are labeled BPA-free. They were also made locally at the chemical company, interestingly enough.
If plastic still has you worred, there are many stainless steel and aluminum bottles available through companies like Gaiam.

Lastly, I made soap!
I've had a glycerin soap making kit for over a year, tucked away in my craft supplies. Finally, I took it out and decided to do something with it.
I made 4 soaps, one green cucumber melon for my fiance, a green and pink rose soap for his mom, a pink rose soap for me, and a green tea tree oil soap to wash my face with.Rose oil is soothing, especially for women. It can be used to ease skin irritations and is said to even sooth PMS and other menstrual issues.Tea Tree oil aids in releaving skin problems, including acne, and aids wounds.
Word of warning, don't over-use the essential oils (the whole area still smells like rose oil).
The whole mess was really easy, except for extracting a round soap from the mold. I definately plan on making more soaps in the future. Its cheaper than buying soap and you can decide on the scents and colors.

Friday, July 16, 2010

I got my cd, The Naturopathic Difference, from Herbal Healer Academy in the mail today!
I've been waiting for the cd for a little while now so I was pretty excited when I checked the mail today.

My fiance and I listened to the cd in the car (new car!!!) while running errands this morning. I'm not sure what was more interesting, that Marijah McCain is a bit of a firecracker or that my fiance was just as into listening to McCain explain the whys and hows of her becoming a naturopath as I was.

The cd reinforced a lot of what I learned in my first lesson of my Herbalism course, including information about Essiac.

I'm looking forward to my future lessons and cds even more so now! The cds can be bought without taking any of the courses and I definately recommend them as they give a passionate point of view on natural healing along with some facts everyone should be exposed to.

So today I got an e-mail from the Examiner saying that I was accepted as the Knoxville Natural Health Writer (actually I got to pick from a list of open health writer titles and I chose Natural Health)!

I am still at Suite 101 so no worries about that the only thing is, how should I seperate the two pages?
Rather than have articles seem redundant and my readers not bother reading both of my pages, I decided to make Suite 101 my more national, general natural health page with articles that apply to all people and my Examiner page, which is a more regional section, more about East Tennessee, Appalachia, and the like.

So on my Examiner page, coming soon, you will find articles like 5 Wild Medicines in Your Back Yard and interviews with local, health conscious people while on Suite 101 you will find articles for the general public like the current How to Choose an Herbalist and The Essiac Cure for Cancer.

I'll be sure to keep up with my blogging as well, since this is where I post my research and my informal thoughts on health.
Hope that you all like the articles I post and learn something from them!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Getting the information about Essiac out to the public has weighed on my heart ever since I read an interview with Dr. Gary Glum sent to be from Marijah McCain from Herbal Healer Academy as part of my herbalism lesson 1.

I love to travel! Those of you who know me know I plan to travel as much as I possibly can in this life (I'm even planning a trip to New Orleans in September to get married!!!!).
Having said that, I am also all about doing what I can and encouraging others to do what they can to take care of this wonderful planet we live on, even when we're traveling.

Samantha Brown of the Travel Channel did a show in Hawaii not too long ago (or at least it was on my t.v. not too long ago) that talked about eco-vacationing. Eco-vacationing (this isn't really a term Brown used or that I've seen, its just an easy way to get the idea across) is when you take care of the environment with smart decisions on vacation!
Brown encouraged not leaving trash on the beach (duh!) and recycling whatever you use that can be recycled. You also might want to look into green hotels or B&Bs (yes they're out there!) to stay at. While we aren't readily able to do this, Brown also did an infomercial sort of thing that encouraged people to come to Hawaii and to take care of the beautiful beaches. However, you can make youre own press release by video taping yourself on vacation adn talking about the lovely things you see and how to preserve them and uploading it on YouTube for us to watch!

Here is an article I found on a blog that was found through the Raw Directory through Pure Jeevan.
I like the advice to ditch the vacation packages and resort stays for a more local, cultural and eco-friendly stay. Having never been to a resort...I can't say for sure that resort stays are not good for people and the environment but being a fan of Rachel Ray, I am all for talking to the locals, eating local, and checking out the local diggs (just seems like more fun).
I am also a huge fan of B&Bs! They are sooo cute and obviously local owned (which means they know where the good places ot eat and shop are too).

Anywyas, check it out and tell me what you think! Do you travel lightly? Have you stayed at a Green hotel or B&B? What sort of eco-travel or eco-vacationing tips do you have? Do you have a YouTube press release you want to show?

Monday, July 12, 2010

Herbalism isn't all medical and learning where wild plants grow. Most herbalists are female and they like to look pretty just like any other woman.
Herbs and oils can be used to create beuty and bath products. Many bath and body products found at the mall or superstore are filled with chemicals I can't pronounce much less know if they'll harm my sensitive skin or worse. By making my own products, I know what is going into the product and into my body (remember that 80% of what goes on the skin goes into the body).
Luckily enough, I not only found recipes online on how to make everything from lip balm to shampoo but also videos, mostly through Mountain Rose Herbs (where you can find many of the needed ingredients) and Herb Mentor.

Bath Salts
Bath salts are a great way to relax after a hard day. They make your skin feel soft and smooth and often are mixed iwth scented oils that help you relax both mind and body. To make your own you will need:
A cup each of White Kaolin Cosmetic Clay, Sea Salt, and Dead Sea Salt. A half cup each of Epsom Salts, Borax (be careful that you get borax that has not been mixed with unsafe chemicals like bleach and other toxins), and Baking Soda. 1 teaspoon Lavender Oil (or whatever oil you find most relaxing).

Lip Balm
Everyone has used lip balm and I feel that a natural lip balm is doubly important because not only am I taking in the 80% that seeps into my skin but I also have a tendency to bite my lips so I am also eating whatever I put on them. There are many companies that make natural lip balm but they are also $1+ a tube! In the video below, you can see how to make dozens of tubes in one go which you can store up yourself or share with others in a much more economical way.To make your own you will need:
2 ounces of Bees Wax, 1 cup of Calendula infused Sweet Almond Oil (or just the almond oil, or the almond oil infused with whatever herb you desire), 1 teaspoon of Anise seed oil (or another essential oil you prefer).

Herbal Shampoo
Herbal Essences smells good and has a memorable commercial but there's nothign truely natural about this product. The perks of making your own shampoo include being able to choose the scents you prefer as well as knowning that all the products are natural.To make the Herb Mentor shampoo recipe you’ll need:
8 oz distilled water
2 teaspoons of dried rosemary
2 teaspoons of dried rose petals
3 ounces liquid castile soap
3 Tablespoon aloe vera gel
¼ teaspoon of jojoba oil
30 drops of pure rosemary essential oil

This video is not an Herb Mentor Video but one based on the recipe from Rosemary Gladstar. I like this video not only for the pretty music included but because it includes oil combos for oily hair, dry hair, blonde hair, etc.

There are tons of different recipes and way to make your own beauty products online or in books. Just do a simple search on Google or even YouTube to find how-to videos. I have found videos on how to make everything from perfume kits to face and body creams. Most importantly, have fun and be healthy!

I have been wanting to show a feature on this blog for some time that focuses on beautiful local gardens. Finally I grabbed the camera and ran down to my fiance's grandmother, Kitty, and with her permission took dozens of photos of her beautiful flowers and pond and statues. Here are just a few of the best I took.

Here is the entrance, once you pass through. I love it when all that climbing plants creep over the trellis.

One of my all time favorites, Black Eyed Susans! These grow next to the gate like a warm, sunny welcome.

Here the Black Eyed Susans and the Cacti get along nicely, showing the variety in Kitty's garden.

Here is a view of the garden from the gate. Everything sort of slopes uphill towards the fruit trees in the back.

In her little man-made ponds are dozens of lily pads for the frogs to play on (they all hopped off at my arrival). This gorgeous Lotus peeps up through the murk for a photo-op.

I said all the frogs hopped off, however, this big fellow stayed to represent them ^_^

Here is another favorite of mine, Blue Thistles! They remind me of Fairies and mythical creatures.

Here I snuck up on a Butterfly feasting on some Echinacea and was so excited I took a dozen or so pictures before it flew away ^_^ Echinacea is a lovely herb with many healing properties including being an aid in remedying cancer (I see a future Herb of the Month).

This is Kitty's little bird haven with bath and house. Sadly, my cat, Halloween, loves to hide around here an look for her favorite bird snack, Dove. Here is also an overhill view towards the garden gate. You can also see some of the Mole beans that drive off the burrowing pests that like to eat bulbs and the like.

This little fellow was brought home from Germany (you can sort of see where the sphere says Wilkommen). He's the gnome who guards the bridge (much nicer than a troll) which connects Kitty's garden to the outside world (aka, the side yard).

I wouldn't do Kitty's garden justice unless I showed some of the plants that grew along the front and side of her house for they are just as much a part of her garden as those in the back.

I love the wild, tropical look of this flower and was sad to see that it was the only one growing from the leaves of the rather large plant.

Here are more brilliant flowers! These lilies are lovely and seem to grow all over the front.

Thank you Kitty for letting me stalk your garden for an hour or so!

Do any of you have a garden you'd like to share? Send me pictures! I'd love to see them ^_^

Saturday, July 10, 2010

I'm hoping that you all find the article helpful (an well written of course).
Please comment and feel free to request other articles on various natural health topics. I will do my best to keep my readers...well...reading ^_^

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

I recently bought a box of Traditional Medicinals Raspberry Leaf tea at my local supermarket.

I've read a lot about Raspberry Leaf in my studies on natural women's health. This herb is wonderful for women no matter if they've just started puberty or are in the final stages of menopause. A tonic for the uterus, raspberry leaf can be used regularly during pregnancy and nursing.

According to Marijah McCain of Herbal Healer Academy, raspberry leaf contains fragrine, an alkaloid that tones the pelvic muscles (including the uterus). Vitamins and minerals found in raspberry leaf tea are vitamin C, E, A, and B complex, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium.
McCain also says that drinking raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy can prevent miscarriage, hemorrhage and morning sickness. She also says the tea can reduce pain during and after birth because of its muscle toning ability.

Now, I'm not drinking the tea for its pregnancy related benefits, raspberry leaf tea also helps with menstruation by regulating periods and relieving cramps.

Traditional Medicinals Raspberry Leaf Tea is delicious and reminds me of a herbacious black tea. I drink it with just a little bit of sweetener and I've tried it with a bit of milk and with a bit of almond milk but have found these to be unecessary.
I chose the Traditional Medicinals brand not only because it was the only one in the isle selling raspberry leaf by itself, but also because their company uses certified organic, pharmacoepial grade plants. Traditional Medicinals also uses a lot of green energy and recently became the largest solar powered business in the country.

Here's a video from Naturally Savvy about Traditional Medicinals. I think the hosts are a little corny but it has a lot of good information about the company.

Rosalee de la Foret also wrote a recipe for Dandelion Fritters in her Wild Foods Cookbook but I wanted to make it seperate from the other posted recipes because I have a video to share with it of the Herb Mentor group making the fritters.

Rosalee de la Foret of Herb Mentor did a video lesson on how to make Dandelion wine which includes how to harvest.
I've never had dandelion wine myself but know a few people that have and they say it's very sweet and yummy.
She uses dried apricots but I'm wondering what those of you who have made this or tried it have used, since I don't like apricots all that much...or raisins for that matter...

Monday, July 5, 2010

I recenly bought Natural foods;: Eat better, live longer, improve your sex life
at the local used book warehouse. The book so fare has been very informative with information about food and nutrients as well as why the body needs nutrients and what foods have them in abundance.
Wendy Pritzker, author, also includes some literature from Organic Merchants of Los Angeles, CA that informs the natural shopper about oils, called The Oil Story by Ezra Hendon.

In The Oil Story, the three ways of extracting vegetable oils from nuts, grains, beans, seeds, or olives.
First is by hydrolic press, an ancient and best method. Only olives and sesame seeds can be pressed without being cooked first and they are the only ones that can be truely considered cold pressed.
Secod is expeller pressed. "This used a screw or continuous press with a constantly rotating worm shaft. Cooked material goes in one end and is put under continuous pressure until discharged at the other end with oil squeezed out." (Lowdown on Edible Oils)
The last methos is solvent extraction, which is dangerous as it used petroleum based solvents to extract the oils from the plant. This method is universally used by big oil companies because it gets the oils out faster and cheaper.

The terms like "cold pressed" and "virgin" are meaningless in most cases as there is no legal definition adn mean whatever the manufacturer wants them to mean.

So how do you tell if the oil you are buy is crude, cold pressed, and unrefined if the label isn't always truthful?
Buy from a trusted consumer. Make sure your local health food market is legit by asking questions about their products.
Buy trust products. Research brands and companies to see exactly how they make their oils and foods.
Buy local when you can, talk to the manufacturer, even take a tour through the factory if possible.
It all comes down to educating yourself about what it is you are putting in your body.

Place oil, garlic, and salt in the blender along with half of the dandelion leaves.
Blend well
Add other half of the leaves
when finished blending, should be of good consistency and still a little runny.
Pour into bowl and add cheese, ground nuts, and lemon juice.
Try as a dip, on bread, pasta or salmon, or with scrambled eggs or tofu.

Saute oinion in salt and oilive oil or butter until carmalized.
Add garlic and saute a minute more.
Add dandelions and saute until wilted.
Add squirt of lemon juice.
Use as base for quiche, tacos, or simply roll up in a large kale, chard, or lettuce leaf.

Rinse flower buds well and place in a pint jar with onions, garlic, and ginger.
Fill halfway with apple cider vinegar
Fill the other half with Tamari.
Cover with lid and let sit for 3 weeks in fridge
Enjoy with salads, snacks, or on tuna fish sammies.

Dandelion Coffee
Collect dandelion roots after going to seed or before flowering.
Wash well, then cut into small pieces.
Dry them well and store for later roasting or
roast them in a cast iron skillet until the turn brown and release a pleasant odor.
Once roasted, place a couple of tablespoons roasted root in 8 oz. water and boil for 7 minutes.
Add cream and sweetenver, and enjoy.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Greetings Readers!
I'm into my 2nd month of blogging (Woot!) and just wanted to address a few things and give you all some idea of what to look forward to in the upcoming month.

First off, no, I do not have a spell check on my computer but I was recently reminded by my grammar loving mother that my e-mail does have one so I'll be using it in the future to weed out my typos.
Also, COMMENTS! Please comment on the blog posts and not on my Facebook or e-mail, this way everyone can read and learn from the comment, question, complaint, etc. I appreciate everything sent about my blog but would love to easily share the insight with others, plus some comments might generate others, so feel free to be verbal...er...prolific typers.

What to look forward to?

Dandelion! A misunderstood weed is the herb of the month. Tune in for recipes (including videos for dandelion wine making), tips, facts, and more about this sunny herb.

Books to read: I have been reading a lot lately and was recently informed that the local Book Lover's Warehouse has a whole wall of herbalism books all for under $7 each!!! I'll be sure to recommend the best to those of you who love to read, like myself.

Pictures! Look forward to featured gardens, herbs in my area, local Farmers Markets and produce stands, and more as I scour my region for pretty plant pictorials.

Product reviews! I am giving you the low-down as I personally try out "healthy" products that can be found at your local supermarket.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

You all didn't make things easy on me. 3 votes for Dandelion and 3 for Tea Tree, 1 for both Rose and Chamomile.
So, I had to make an execuive decision and sided with my Fiance who voted for Dandelion, with Tea Tree being August's Herb of the Month, as a sort of consolation prize for those of you who voted for Tea Tree.
That being said, here's a little information about the Herb of the Month, July 2010.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
A.k.a Cankerwort, White Endive or Wild Endive.
The scientific name comes from the Greek Taraxos "disorder" and Akos "remedy."
The term Dandelion comes from the French, dente de lion or "tooth of the lion" in reference to the plant's leaves.

Safety Info:
Do not use internally if suffering froma blocked bile duct or blocked intestine.
May irritate the GI tract
Avoid if suffering from low blood pressure or excessive urination as the plant is a diuretic.

Associations
Planet: Jupiter
Astrology: Sagittarius

Medicinal Uses:
Dandelion is a highly nutritious herb with vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, E, D, P as well as biotin, inosito, iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnessium, and zinc!
Has diuretic properties as mentioned.
Roots can clear skin disruptions (best results after long term use).
Dandelion oil is used to relieve aches and pains including that of arthritis.
The Sap is used topically to remove warts and moles (best results after long term use)
Dandelion is also known to cleanse the liver

More:
Brought from Europe, Dandelion came to the Americas to provide food for bees.
Every part of Dandelion is Edible excepting the stem, however, every part can be used for food or medicine.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

This is a wonderful debate between Brigitte Mars and Susun Weed, both are held in high esteem among natural living and healing promoters.
This is a 6 part program and above is #5. I recommend that you watch all 6, I simply wanted to share a piece of it.

My question to my readers!
How do you feel about raw after watching this video?

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

So my fiance and I started to look into natural personal care products after the Coptic conference where we learned about a few things that were bad for us, specifically Flouride like that found in toothpaste.
For those of you that don't know, Flouride builds a crust around the pinneal gland in the brain. The pinneal gland controls the pituitary gland which in turn effects the thyroid...so by enameling the pinneal you can cause thyroid problems and many other yucky things.

I was a little worried about flouride poisoning my body because after years of intensive dental care, I was drinking flouride water a lot, not to mention its in tap water and using flouride toothpaste.

So when my man and I went grocery shopping for things like toilet paper and shampoo, we looked to see what non-flouride toothpaste there were to be had and found Tom's of Maine flouride free natural toothpaste!
It's a little more expensive than Crest or the other brands, but when you're not buying it every day or week and it's for your health, the few extra bucks don't seem like a lot.

I've tried it for about 2 months now and love it. The peppermint flavor seems to last longer than my last brands of toothpaste and my teeth are actually a little whiter (but this could be a combo of the toothpaste and that I've stopped drinking coffee).

This last shopping trip, I bought Tom's of Maine natural deodorant in Citrus. Its a roller bottle kind so its a little wetter than the Axe we've been using.

Why have I been using Axe (and yes, I am a female)
Well, some time last year I had a bad allergic reaction to both Secret and Suave deodorants. I broke out in red bumps and welts on my underarms and inner legs where I had used the deodorant to help keep my thighs from sticking when I wore a skirt (a little trick for us voluptuous types).
My skin felt irritated and I looked to see the reaction and stopped using those two brands immediately. So I had to find another alternative and started using my fiance's deodorant, Axe. When I had no break outs it became my norm and the smell isn't bad and noone seemed to notice I smell a little like my man...

Anyways, after that anecdote...
Tom's deodorant is awesome too! I've worn it at work where I'm in a sweat box all day running around and I have found that I'm not stinky nor is there any strong citrus odor, which is cool. I also have less shaving bumps when I use it after shaving.

So, to sum it all up, try out Tom's deodorant and toothpaste! I haven't tried their mouthwash, soap, or floss yet but plan to.
Their site is also cool, sorta gives their ethics in business and why they do what they do, which they do well. Tom's of Main

and watching his show on YouTube The Renegade Health Show (which I love). I am also still reading Prakriti by Dr. Svaboda and never considered a combo of Aruyveda and Raw diets until today when I watched Kevin interview Dr. Gabriel Cousens: